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Robert J. "Bob" Larson, 90, Altoona, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Oscar and Nellie (Stahley) Larson.
Robert married Mary Ann Ergler on Feb. 6, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years; two sons, Thomas Larson (Julie) of Hollidaysburg and Joseph Larson of Pittsburgh; five daughters: Deborah Lafferty (Don) of Altoona, Sandra Stover (Wade) of Bellefonte, Theresa Gildea (Andrew) of Ephrata, Nancy Adams (Chad) in Florida and Krista Gardner (Mike) of Pittsburgh; an honorary daughter, Colleen Mar (Roger); 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters: Greta Knab of Duncansville, Nancy Pressler in Canada and Sonya Schmittle of Altoona.
Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Jessica Marie Larson; two brothers, Lee and John; and two sisters, Linda and Rhonda.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving four years on active duty during the Korean War, and later completed more than 20 years with the Army reserves and the PA Army National Guard.
Bob retired from SKF Industries in the shipping department with over 35 years of service.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he attended daily Mass.
Bob was a member of the Bavarian Aid Society.
He was a bowler, an avid reader and outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping and hunting. Bob was quite accomplished in martial arts as well, practicing Tae Kwon Do, where he earned his third-degree black belt and later became an instructor for the Altoona Academy of Tae Kwon Do.
Bob looked forward to his monthly breakfast with his National Guard buddies and his Tom & Joe's Breakfast Club. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob had an amazing sense of humor and will be greatly missed.
Friends and family will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2025, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. At Bob's request, please dress casually for the visitation.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 511 20th St., Altoona, with celebrant, Father Lubomir Strecok. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly asks that contributions be made in Bob's memory to St. Vincent DePaul Food for Families, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.